By Karla Sullivan
Even if you don’t own a horse-related business but you own a stable, horse and ride regularly, you may want to check into special insurance. None of the existing equine activity liability laws ends liability altogether.
Regardless of whether you are a professional or non-professional with horses, someone can try to hold you legally responsible for an injury or damages. Because of this, insurance remains very important.
Liability is designed to protect you or your horse if injuries or damage occurs to someone else and their property. You don’t want to be held financially responsible for damage, which can astronomically cost in fines and legal fees.
Types of coverage that can protect you is homeowners but keep in mind, some policies exclude certain hobbies – such as horseback riding. If you regularly partake in horseback riding, it is vital to check if check is in effect on existing policies.
For your horse, full mortality covers the death of an animal resulting from accident, injury, and sickness based on the value of the horse. This includes the age, use and even what part of the country you live.
You can also add an array of options, which include Major Medical and surgery. Diagnostic procedures and medication are covered. Most policies have a deductible and a limit on the amount the policy will cover. Major medical and mortality can cost from $ 400 to 800 a year depending on the value of the horse, the choice of deductible and pay out limit.
But many will not cover undisclosed conditions, elective surgeries such as cosmetic procedures, claims as a result of negligence, costs of transportation, vet call charges and vet travel. Dental procedures are generally not covered and most insurance companies require a vet exam.
Ultimately, communication with a specialized agent is your best approach.
Underwriting is all done on an individual basis so there are many variables that can be considered. Be an educated consumer when shopping for horse insurance, making sure that you are getting exactly what you need.
Owning a horse can be an expensive, also emotional, decision. Like life and health issues for family members, anything can happen if you are not prepared for the unexpected such as death, illness and even theft.
For many horse lovers, there is never a bad day when they can ride because horses are their true passion. Those passions should be treasured.
